Islamabad tree-cutting drive sparks rift among coalition partners in NA
“Coalition partners clashed in the National Assembly over Islamabad’s tree-cutting drive, with lawmakers demanding a committee review.”
Key points
- Coalition partners clashed in the National Assembly over Islamabad’s tree-cutting drive, with lawmakers demanding a committee review.
- The government says it is removing allergy-linked paper mulberry and expanding plantation targets to offset removals.
A tree-removal campaign in Islamabad triggered sharp disagreement among ruling coalition partners during proceedings in the National Assembly, with allies and opposition lawmakers demanding closer scrutiny of the exercise.
During the session, PPP legislator Shazia Marri said reports indicated large numbers of trees had been felled in areas including Shakarparian and described the matter as serious. MQM-P’s Dr Farooq Sattar also questioned the approach, arguing that mature trees should not be lost under the cover of development activity.
The Islamabad district administration has maintained that the operation targets paper mulberry trees, a species authorities say contributes to allergy-related health problems in the capital. PTI leader Ali Mohammad Khan said removing paper mulberry due to pollination concerns can be understood, but asked why decades-old trees were also reportedly affected.
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry told the House that the campaign focused only on the allergy-causing paper mulberry and insisted the capital’s overall green cover had improved. He said tens of thousands of mature trees had already been planted and announced a plan to plant 60,000 more by the end of March.
Chaudhry said tree removal typically occurs under three circumstances: projects aligned with the city’s master plan in designated development zones, essential infrastructure such as roads and underpasses, and the removal of hazardous species. He added that projects undergo public hearings and environmental review, citing satellite imagery and vegetation-index analysis as tools used to assess green coverage.
The issue was referred to the relevant parliamentary committee for further examination. Separately, Climate Change Minister Musadiq Malik visited Shakarparian to oversee the operation, warning that action would follow if native trees were cut negligently or systematically, and saying construction projects could face notices for failing to comply with environmental guidelines.
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